Sony EX 500 vs Ex 400 series: Can anyone help me figure out the difference between these two TVs?
27096
THe 500 refreshes 120 HZ. The 400 refreshes at 60HZ. Salesman said that was the only difference.
1992860
I have the 40" version. I bought this after doing a good amount of research in terms of input lag. This TV has no noticeable input lag. I came from a Toshiba 32" which had a very noticeable input lag, which is terrible when playing any game, especially FPS games- then moved to a Samsung 32" which was one of their top tier at the time. The quality is great, i put mine in "calibration" mode, and it looks a lot better than my 32" Samsung TV.
1962884
Yes the one ending on 400 is the latest version. I just updated from 300 to this, and it solved all sorts of HDMI intermittent cutout issues I was having.
1743894
Its a very good question. Looks like this TV is 480Hz compared to 553 (240Hz) and probably has functioning USB ports (according to specs at least). Other than that I see no real difference for 2D pics.And there is the chance by implementing 3D, some 2D quality is compromised. (Of course it may have corrected some of 55s's issues also)I guess we have to wait to see whether 554 is better in 2D than 533. However if you are not interested in 3D, I don't see it being worth $500 extra .. However I think the prices for the 554 will be coming down further in the coming weeks/holiday season. Its a very good question. Looks like this TV is 480Hz compared to 553 (240Hz) and probably has functioning USB ports (according to specs at least). Other than that I see no real difference for 2D pics.And there is the chance by implementing 3D, some 2D quality is compromised. (Of course it may have corrected some of 55s's issues also)I guess we have to wait to see whether 554 is better in 2D than 533. However if you are not interested in 3D, I don't see it being worth $500 extra .. However I think the prices for the 554 will be coming down further in the coming... » Read More Its a very good question. Looks like this TV is 480Hz compared to 553 (240Hz) and probably has functioning USB ports (according to specs at least). Other than that I see no real difference for 2D pics.And there is the chance by implementing 3D, some 2D quality is compromised. (Of course it may have corrected some of 55s's issues also)I guess we have to wait to see whether 554 is better in 2D than 533. However if you are not interested in 3D, I don't see it being worth $500 extra .. However I think the prices for the 554 will be coming down further in the coming weeks/holiday season. « Show Less
2002256
This is EXACTLY the issue with me as well. Ironically, I also do not watch TV that much, and currently have a 27 inch (Panasonic) CRT that I am looking to replace. I have pretty much decided to go with the 550 model. I looked at the two side-by-side in a store and could not notice the difference (a common cable feed -- probably 720p or 1080i -- was going to both). I don't know if the 120 Hz was on for the 650, but reading many comments here and other sites, it seems like this isn't worth it unless you watch alot of sports (alot of people seem to keep it off). As for the better contrast ratio for the 650 (50000:1 compared to 30000:1), I don't believe I could tell the difference. Aside from video, the extras for the 650 don't really seem worth it. You get the so-called Infolink which gives you capability of RSS feeds (presumably a limited number, possibly more in the future). But I am a news junky and like to look at all the various newspapers on the internet -- I'll stick with my computer. If I want, I'll just hook my computer up to the TV to look on the big screen. Extra HDMI port -- big deal, can always buy a switch box for cheaper than the difference. Other extras, if they exist, usually can be gotten around by buying external devices, if you want or need them. Bottom line, if you're like me, go for the cheaper 550. addendum to my previous post: Got the 550 and it's beautiful. Will not fret over whether I should have gotten the 650 (gotta get on with life). I avoided paying an extra ~$300 by doing this.
1152299
Barry....I have the Sony KDL-40EX700 TV and I am waiting for the BDV-E770W that I just purchased last night. Did you ulimately buy these two? How have they been?Brian
1361805
Hmm, I am late to this party, lol. There's not much to worry about for those who still watch vhs. The picture quality on Tube CRT will always beat LCD (for black level and viewing angle), but finding an lcd that performs well with SD content (480i broadcasts/VHS) is not impossible. Just be sure so spend the $$$ and get a good brand name. 32-inch sets seem to have the best viewing angles and features (for their smaller size, and being lcd). I recommend any of the 3 Sony 32- inch series sets L4000/M4000/XBR6. Also the Samsung LN32A450 or LN32A550 are the same quality (only difference is the 550 is 1080p, 5MS response time.)
1276070
For all practical purposes, no. The sets are almost identical, although Samsung advertises a different contast ratio for each: the 530 at 20k to 1; the 550 at at 30k to 1; and the 540 at 35k to 1. Contrast ratio specs are dubious at best and such slight differences would not be apparant, perhaps not even to the most discriminating viewer. All these sets have a fast response time (5ms) and good, solid black levels. Any one of them will produce a spectacular picture. Newer 40-inch sammys have higher contrast ratios and claim a 4ms response time (for more money of course). I still don't think you could tell the difference. Go to the Samsung website. You can compare specs on any three sets of your choice. For all practical purposes, no. The sets are almost identical, although Samsung advertises a different contast ratio for each: the 530 at 20k to 1; the 550 at at 30k to 1; and the 540 at 35k to 1. Contrast ratio specs are dubious at best and such slight differences would not be apparant, perhaps not even to the most discriminating viewer. All these sets have a fast response time (5ms) and good, solid black levels. Any one of them will produce a spectacular picture. Newer 40-inch sammys have higher contrast ratios and claim a 4ms response time (for more money of course). I still don't think... » Read More For all practical purposes, no. The sets are almost identical, although Samsung advertises a different contast ratio for each: the 530 at 20k to 1; the 550 at at 30k to 1; and the 540 at 35k to 1. Contrast ratio specs are dubious at best and such slight differences would not be apparant, perhaps not even to the most discriminating viewer. All these sets have a fast response time (5ms) and good, solid black levels. Any one of them will produce a spectacular picture. Newer 40-inch sammys have higher contrast ratios and claim a 4ms response time (for more money of course). I still don't think you could tell the difference. Go to the Samsung website. You can compare specs on any three sets of your choice. « Show Less
2112346
I purchased this TV specifically based on Amazon's description that indicated 120 hz. I've run into the same conflicting information that you found and unfortunately (especially for me), it appears that the refresh rate is in fact 6ohz. I spent several days trying to find the 120hz switch in all of the settings and couldn't find it. Finally, I checked in the manual and it says the XBR series of Sony TVs doesn't come with Motionflow (their name for 120hz). I'm still hanging on to the tiniest bit of hope that I'm wrong but I don't think so. If you've seen a 1080p tv play a blueray or hd material with the 120hz on, then you'll know why I'm bummed. It's a truly amazing effect. It doesn't look 3d, but almost like you're watching a play. It's not an effect that would appeal to everyone, but I've seen movies like Spiderman 3, terminator 2 and Pirates of the Carribean and I was blown away. My one bit of hope (and confusion) come from the fact that the previous model (KDL 32XBR4) is described on the Sony website as having Motionflow/120hz but that model was only 720p. I haven't seen what that type of combination looks like, but I'm curious if it still provides the same effect that I've seen on the 1080p models. I spoke to both Circuit City and Best buy reps and both said that there aren't ANY 32" and smaller TVs with 120hz. The smallest it is offered on is 40". Not sure if this helped any but my last bit of research is calling Sony directly and asking them. I'll write back and keep you posted.
70354
I went today to look at HDtv's. I saw both the 46XBR4 and the 3000W and another 3000? Sony. All I can say is that by far the XBR4 was crisper and brighter, it looked more like reality. They had ESPN-HD feed on from Direct-TV. Is the difference worth the price, that's something you have to decide. Go look at them, I saw them at CC. I actually spent a good hour in a recliner they had setup and just watched the 46XBR4 comparing it to the sets around it. This is the one I'm getting, it was simply the best picture constantly, even better than models bigger in size with 1080p. It really stood out in the finer details when next to the other sets.
624451
I think they are both excellent tvs. I was deciding between the 2 models, and finalized my choice when I checked them out at the store. I went with the Sony 40v4100.
903263
As stated, the difference has to do with the sound features between the 540 and 550, but that would not matter if you decide to use a sound system with the television. I would go with the 540 and put the extra money you save toward a nice home theatre system...Happy holidays,
471863
Ok I am in the same boat about which plasma to get. I have gone to BestBuy numerous times and I like the Samsung PN42A450. I heard any tv in the 40s does not need 1080, as it would be a waste of money. I then saw the PN50A450 on Amazon for a great price, but it is 720. Just curious about if I get the 50, would standard tv look bad, and how about using a PS3 via DMI. Would it look bad because it is only 720 vs 1080? I know the 42inch would look nice, just concerned about the 50inch, and if I should get 42. It is for my bedroom so it will be somewhat close to me. Any comments regarding this would be helpful, thanks! Ok I am in the same boat about which plasma to get. I have gone to BestBuy numerous times and I like the Samsung PN42A450. I heard any tv in the 40s does not need 1080, as it would be a waste of money. I then saw the PN50A450 on Amazon for a great price, but it is 720. Just curious about if I get the 50, would standard tv look bad, and how about using a PS3 via DMI. Would it look bad because it is only 720 vs 1080? I know the 42inch would look nice, just concerned about the 50inch, and if I should get 42. It is for my bedroom so it will be somewhat close to me. Any comments regarding this... » Read More Ok I am in the same boat about which plasma to get. I have gone to BestBuy numerous times and I like the Samsung PN42A450. I heard any tv in the 40s does not need 1080, as it would be a waste of money. I then saw the PN50A450 on Amazon for a great price, but it is 720. Just curious about if I get the 50, would standard tv look bad, and how about using a PS3 via DMI. Would it look bad because it is only 720 vs 1080? I know the 42inch would look nice, just concerned about the 50inch, and if I should get 42. It is for my bedroom so it will be somewhat close to me. Any comments regarding this would be helpful, thanks! « Show Less
1371392
Honestly, these comparisons depend on the taste of each one of us. A few years ago I had plasma TV from Sony, after it came time to buy the new Sony's xbr and now I'm preferring the new more expensive models from Samsung.
166903
I have yet to buy one and think I have a couple days left to do so. I did buy one on the last TV I had and never had to use it, so it was money thrown down the drain in my opinion. That particular Television (Sony) is over 6 years old and still works like a champ. Its really up to the buyer. It is a nice thing to have in case something does happen, but in my opinion if this HDTV doesnt last me at least 3 years without any issues I wont be buying any more Samsung models. Good luck with your decision and I think you are going to like the LN32A450.
881336
I bought the large set at x-mas 2009 for 49.99, i bought two of them. The people who are selling them on here are crooks. From what I can tell the newer one is just missing the tv input and the "eye" scanner, neither of which I use. you are much better off with the 49.99 ones.
540087
There are a few differences between the various Sammy 40" LCDs. Some may not be so important to most: such as, styling; side mount speakers vs bottom; some have Game Mode, which Samsung says speeds up vdeo processing; but the most important diff between them (and probably the one that leads to the price diff) is contrast ratio. As an example the cheaper of them, the 4041 has 3000:1, and the 4096 has 6000:1. BIG DIFFERENCE. The others fall somewhere in between.